Pago de Carraovejas Cuesta de las Liebres Magnum 2021

Pago de Carraovejas built its reputation in Ribera del Duero, and Cuesta de las Liebres is its most site specific red. The fruit comes from a single 3.19 hectare vineyard on a slope exceeding 30 percent gradient, where the vines face full wind and sun on limestone soils studded with outcrops of calcareous salts. That poor, well drained chalk restricts vigour and holds acidity, while the continental climate and the punishing exposure concentrate the Tinto Fino. The wine is made only in vintages when the site delivers, so it does not appear every year. After fermentation it ages 24 months in French oak, which softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds cedar and spice without burying the fruit. In the glass it is deep and dense, with aromas of fresh blackberry, cocoa powder and a hint of cedar over an earthy, mineral base. The palate is full and firmly structured, carrying ripe dark fruit, fine grained tannin and a long savoury finish. Decant an hour ahead and serve at 17 degrees in a large bowled glass. It suits roast beef, lamb and mature hard cheese.